New Market Research and Development in Africa

HRF's agribusiness development collaboration with the Agricultural
Research Council (ARC) of South Africa continues as pilot cultivation
projects proceed in different parts of the country. In April, HRF president
Rob McCaleb traveled to South Africa, where he was joined by Dr. James
Simon, Professor of Horticulture at Purdue University. Along with representatives
from ARC and the US Agency for International Development (USAID), McCaleb
and Simon traveled throughout South Africa to assess progress at participating
farms and research centers. Test crops under cultivation include hibiscus
(Hibiscus sabdariffa), buchu (Barosma betulina), honey
bush (Cyclopia intermedia), and St. John's wort (Hypericum
perforatum). McCaleb provided instruction on proper harvest, drying,
and post-harvest processing of the hibiscus calyces, which are widely
used as a tea ingredient. They also discussed ways to maximize hypericin
and hyperforin content in the pilot St. John's wort crop as well as
wildcrafted St. John's wort.

Next McCaleb and Simon traveled to Madagascar, where exploration
of a number of possible botanical ventures are underway. HRF and
USAID drafted a proposal and budget which would expand HRF's botanical
agribusiness project to include this island nation. The focus
of the proposed agreement is to promote rural business development.

In addition, HRF has submitted a three-year proposal to develop
a natural products business network between the United States
and African countries. The objective of this project would be
to stimulate American investment in natural product exports from
Africa, in recognition of the US market demand for quality natural
products. The project, which would span several African nations
and involve partnership with already established African grower
federations, has the potential to position the natural products
market as an engine of economic growth to African farmers.
- Margaret Blank, HRF